Skewer holder

ABSTRACT

An improved device holds a skewer over a hot surface such as a grill or an open flame. The device preferably accommodates any type or size of skewer. It allows for skewered food to be rotated for even cooking or searing and prevents the skewered food from sticking to the grate of a grill while cooking.

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to: (i) the provisional U.S.application entitled Skewer Holder, filed Aug. 6, 2002, having a Ser.No. 60/401,430 and (ii) the provisional U.S. application entitled SkewerHolder, filed Oct. 23, 2002, having a Ser. No. 60/420,750, each of whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to barbecue grill accessories. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a device for holding skeweredkabobs during cooking on a barbecue grill, barbecue pit, fireplace, openflame, or other cooking area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Barbecue skewers receive food to be placed on or over a grill,fire, other heat source for cooking. A problem with prior skewers isthat they must be placed directly on a grill, resulting in charred foodor food that sticks to the grate of the grill. This results in a grillor grate that is very difficult to clean. Because of the difficulty incleaning, many grills are re-used without cleaning, thus creating a riskof contaminating food during later cooking events, especially when thefood comes in contact with the grill. In an attempt to avoid theseproblems, a person could hold the skewer over the flame or other heatsource while cooking, but that creates a risk of injury from burning tothe person.

[0004] The present invention is directed to an improved device forholding a skewer and preventing the skewered food from sticking to thegrate of a grill while cooking. It also helps the user avoid the risk ofinjury that may result from manual holding of the skewer over the heator flame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides an improved device for suspendingskewers onto which food has been impaled for cooking. The skewered foodis preferably suspended over a cooking surface, such as a grate, insteadof being placed directly onto the surface. This prevents the food frombeing contaminated from contacting the cooking surface, and it alsoresults in a cleaner grill after cooking.

[0006] When food is placed on the skewers in accordance with preferredembodiments of the invention, the food partially or fully covers theskewer. Thus, the skewer acts as a heat conductor and helps cook theinner part of the food. The present invention also enables skeweredcooking without touching the cooking grate. This allows for fullrotation of impaled food items, therefore permitting a substantiallyeven and thorough cooking of the food.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0008]FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the skewerholder of FIG. 1A and shows a preferred means of attaching the holder toa cooking grate.

[0009]FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1B whereby the holder is not attached to the grate but rather restson the grate.

[0010]FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate an alternate version of theembodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2.

[0011]FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the invention whereby theholder is integral with a grate.

[0012]FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate optional variations of the integrationof the holder and grate as originally shown in FIG. 4A.

[0013]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternate embodiments of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary piece of formed metal, in thisillustration expanded steel.

[0015]FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the inventiveskewer holder, with skewer, where the holder is formed from the expandedsteel of FIG. 6A.

[0016]FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate alternate embodiments wherein theskewer holder is formed using the expanded steel of FIG. 6A.

[0017]FIG. 8 illustrates a larger embodiment using expanded steel andsuitable for fireplaces.

[0018]FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment using a cylindrical holderhaving a plurality of openings.

[0019]FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and end views, respectively, ofan alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a free-standing alternate embodimentthat relates to that shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0021]FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a one-piece,freestanding embodiment, while FIB. 12B illustrates a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 12A.

[0022]FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate an embodiment suitable for use inmicrowave ovens.

[0023]FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of FIGS. 13A and13B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention includes various embodiments of a skewerholder that allows food to be cooked (with or without cooking grates)over charcoal, on gas grills, in ovens, in open campfires, infireplaces, in fire pits and in other places using common heat sources.

[0025] Preferably, the invention is used with conventional skewerholders that are constructed of steel or another appropriate conductivemetal, although wooden skewers or skewers made of other materials mayalso be used. Such skewers are typically designed to securely hold fooditems on skewers. They also allow skewered food to be rotated for evencooking or searing. When removing the skewers from the heat source orplacing them onto the heat source, the user will preferably wear heatproof or heat resistant gloves or other appropriate protection toprevent burns.

[0026] Conventional skewers are constructed of steel (stainless steel ispreferred) and are available today in various lengths, shapes, anddiameters. The present invention is intended to accommodate any type ofskewer, including but nor limited to round, square, and flat skewers.The round or square skewer is preferred, as round and square skewersallow for more complete rotation of the food.

[0027] Preferably, the present inventive skewer holders are constructedto hold a minimum of four skewers, because skewers are normally sold insets of four. However, the invention is not limited to embodiments thataccommodate four skewers, and options that accept any number of skewers,including fewer than four and more than four, are included in theinvention.

[0028]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a first preferred embodiment of theinventive skewer holder. The holder is comprised of a plurality of rods20, preferably flat rods that are curved or angled so that a lower,substantially horizontal portion may contact or be placed above a grillsurface 21 and an upwardly sloping portion may extend up and angularlyaway from the grill surface 21. In preferred embodiments, rods that are¼″ square, ½″ square or ½″×¼″ rectangular are used, although anysuitable size will be appropriate and considered part of the invention.The upwardly sloping portion of each rod 20 may be attached to a tube 22that is sized and positioned to receive the point of a conventionalskewer 24. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B shows a tube 22 that issecured to the rod 20 by welding, but optionally the tube may be formedin an integral manner with the rod. In the alternative, the rod itselfmay contain a center hole that serves the function of the tube. As afurther alternative, instead of providing a separate rod for each tubeas shown in FIG. 1A, a support frame such as two rods may be providedwith a cross member to which the receiving tubes area attached. In anyof the options, the tube 22 and/or rod preferably includes a weep hole26 to allow food juices to drip out during cooking, and to allow forcleaning after cooking. Although FIG. 1B illustrates the weep hole asfacing upward, in alternate embodiments the weep hole may face anydirection (such as downward), and a downward facing weep hole ispreferred in an embodiment whether the tubes are attached to a crossmember rather than a rod. The preferred tube 22 or the rod also includesa stop 28 to prevent the skewer from sliding past the point of the stop.Preferably, the length of the tube 22 from the point where it receivesthe skewer 24 to the stop 28 is about 2 ½″, although any suitable lengthmay be used. Also preferably, the rod 20 is angled so that the receivingarea of the tube 22 is about three inches above the grill surface 21.

[0029] It should be noted that the dimensions listed in the text and/orillustrated in the figures herein are preferred dimensions only. Anydimensions that will work to design a skewer holder that receives askewer are included within the scope of the invention.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the rods 20 are preferablysubstantially evenly spaced, and the elongated, horizontal portions ofeach rod are preferably secured to a first plate 30. In a preferredembodiment (FIG. 1B), a second plate 32 is provided under the firstplate 30 and is positioned so that the grill or cooking surface 21 isbetween the first plate 30 and the second plate 32. A plurality offasteners 34, such as nuts and bolts, are used to secure the first andsecond plates, and thus the entire apparatus, to the grill.

[0031] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a free-standingembodiment may include one or more (and preferably two or more) crossmembers 36 that are attached (e.g., welded) to the horizontal portion ofeach of the rods 20, preferably in a position that is perpendicular tothe rods 20. In the free standing embodiment, the horizontal portionmust be of sufficient length, preferably at least about twenty inches,and of sufficient weight to serve as a counterbalance when skewers areplaced in the holders. The free standing skewer holder is particularlyuseful in open fires such as fire pits, campfires, fireplaces and inclosed ovens. The free standing embodiments are preferably weldedconstructions, and they preferably can also accommodate larger, longerskewers. Optionally and preferably, a drip pan (such as a commerciallyavailable, disposable aluminum pan) is placed under this embodiment tocatch dripping juices and reduce the resulting mess. Also optionally, ineither the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B or the embodiment of FIG. 2, asupport brace member 38 may be included as illustrated in the figures.

[0032]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein flatmetal rods 40 are used instead of tubular rods or rods with attachedreceiving tubes. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the rod is bent in at leastthree places to form a receiving area 41, and two holes 42 are locatedin the receiving area 41 to receive a skewer 43. However, as analternative the receiving area 41 may be formed by two bends in the rod,with a curve (such as that which may be formed using a one-inch die)located in between the bends and forming the receiving area 21. When theskewer 43 is completely inserted into each hole 42, the tip 44 of theskewer may rest against the vertical portion 46 of the rod. This designprovides several advantages, including the elimination of the need forwelded receiving tubes, a more open design that is easier to clean sincejuices simply fall over the rod onto the heat source, and a lower cornerthat is easily bendable to accommodate varying grill heights. Anoptional fastener 48 may be used to attach the vertical portion of therod to the side of the grill or to another fixed object to providesupport. Alternatively, or in addition to the optional fastener 48, asillustrated in FIG. 3B, multiple skewer holders may be attached usingoptional cross members 50, thus providing a multi-skewer unit that canbe free standing. The cross members 50 may be welded, riveted, orotherwise fastened to the rods 40. This type of skewer holder can beattached above the grate of the grill 52 as shown in FIG. 3A, or it canoptionally be attached below the grate of the grill as illustrated inFIG. 3C. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C, optional fastenersare preferably used to attach the skewer holder unit to a side or otherfixed portion of the grill. In this embodiment, the lower horizontalbase portion of each rod is optional, as the fasteners preferablyprovide the primary support for the skewer holders.

[0033]FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein the tubes 54that receive the skewers 57 are integral with the grill 55 itself,preferably attached by welding. FIG. 4B provides a closer view of onesuch holder, and it shows that a weep hole 56 is preferably provided toallow juices to drip out of the tube, and it also shows the preferredwelding point 59. FIG. 4C illustrates an alternate embodiment whereinthe tube 54 is formed from the end of the grate bar 58. The tubes shownare curved in a preferred embodiment, but straight and angular tubes arealso included within the scope of the invention.

[0034]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an alternate embodiment comprising atube, sleeve, or u-shaped holder 60 that includes a two flared topmembers 62. The flared top members are positioned around two grate rods64 so that the holder extends below the surface of the grate.Preferably, a drip hole 66 is provided at or near the bottom of theholder. The holder preferably extends about 1-½ inches to 2 ½ inchesbelow the grate rods.

[0035]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a universal add onattachable skewer holder that takes advantage of existingpre-manufactured expanded steel. Typically, such steel, an example ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 4A, includes ½″ or ¾″ holes 68. However,any hole diameter that is large enough to receive a skewer isacceptable. The existing holes serve as the rests for the skewers 70 tobe held in place. The skewers 70 may be placed in these holes at anglesdictated by the holes, provided that the skewers pass through bothelements of the holder. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the steel ispreferably formed into a U-shape, and a top plate 72 is fastened, forexample welded, to opposing edges of the steel (i.e., the arms of theU). A bottom plate 74 is fastened to the top plate as the grate 78 ispositioned between them. FIG. 6B illustrates bolts 79 and nuts 80 as thefasteners, although other fasteners may be used.

[0036]FIG. 7 illustrates a variation of FIGS. 6A and 6B, wherein thesteel 82 is shaped in a trapeze shape, and the trapeze allows for thesuspension of additional items (empty skewers, buns, etc.) over thecooking surface.

[0037]FIG. 8 illustrates a modified version of the embodiment of FIGS.6A and 6B. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is intended for use with openflames, such as in fireplaces or fire pits. This holder 84 is made of ametal such as expanded steel and is supported by a rigid skeleton orframe 85. The expanded steel is preferably ½″ or ¼′ expanded steel,although any size may be used. The steel is wrapped around and/orattached, such as by welding, to the skeleton 85 to form a front 86 anda back 88. Optionally, a single piece may be used to wrap around thetop, or two pieces may be used to form the front and back. The sides arepreferably open to allow easy cleaning and ventilation. The skeleton isattached to a skid-type base 90. The forward and/or skid may slide underthe flame, such as logs or gas burner. When used in a fireplace, theexpanded steel frame is preferably positioned in the rear of thefireplace, and the skewers 92 are held in place by the skewer holder,suspending the food over an open fire or wood coals or charcoal. Theoverall size is preferably large enough to accommodate longer fire placeskewers. For example, the front and back are preferably 17″ to 34″ wideand up to 24″ high. The base is preferably 24″ to 36″ long, althoughother sizes may be used.

[0038]FIG. 9 provides three views (top, side, and perspective) of analternate embodiment comprising a cylindrical shaped tower or holder 102with holes 104 or any shaped perforations that the skewers pass through.As illustrated in FIG. 9, the skewers pass in one side of the tower 102and out the other side so that the skewers are angled upward slightly atthe handle end and the skewered food 103 is secured around the tower.

[0039] Because skewers can be placed in any of the holes, this skewerholder permits the skewers to be raised or lowered closer or furtheraway from the heat source to control the cooking temperature. Also,skewers can be placed in a radius around the tower, and multiple skewerscan be held in the tower at the same time.

[0040] Preferably, the holes 104 have a diameter that is at least ¹⁷_(/64)″ to permit insertion of the skewers at angles while prohibitingtoo much “play” or unwanted movement of the skewers. The alternatinghole pattern illustrated in FIG. 9 is preferred so that skewers may beplaced into the upper row of any pattern such that the exit the towerthrough the lower row of the same pattern. Preferably, the tower 102 isat least about 2½ feet high, although any tower height may be used. Forexample, the perspective view in FIG. 9 illustrates a shorter towerhaving only two skewer rows while the side view shows a tower that isapproximately 4½ feet high and which has four skewer rows. The tower isattached to a base 106, such as a metal plate. The plate may be weldedat a welding location 107 or otherwise attached to the tower.Preferably, a lower base 108 is also included such that the upper base106 is placed onto the grill top 109 while the lower base is placedunder the grill top 109. A fastener 110, such as a bolt with nut andwasher, connects the upper base 106 to the lower base 110 and securesthe entire structure onto the grill 109. Thus, unlike existing skewerholders which are formed to be integral with the grill, this skewerholder may be used with existing grills, and it may be transferred fromone grill to another. The skewer holder may be attached to a grill atany position or location, but a location at or near the center of thegrill is preferred as it permits the maximum use of this tower type ofskewer.

[0041]FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment whereby two or more supportelements 112, preferably comprised of a metal, are shaped into anupside-down and flared “V” shape. At the apex of each element, aplurality of skewer slots 114 are provided on which a skewer may rest.The support elements may be attached to a grill by including two flaredelements 116 that rest upon the grill, and a base plate 118 that restsunder the grill, with fasteners 120 such as nuts and bolts illustratedin FIG. 10B. Alternatively, the support elements may by free standing,or they may include curved or angled undersides 122 that secure eachelement to a grate as illustrated in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B shows a sideview of one of the support elements 112 of FIG. 11A. In each embodiment,the slots 114 preferably have a width of between ¼″ and ½″, and they arepreferably spaced at least about two inches apart, although otherdimensions are included in the scope of the invention. The distancebetween the support elements may be adapted to any spacing that isappropriate for the specific skewers that are used. Preferably, each ofthe support elements and the base plate are formed of a single piece ofmetal to provide easy and cost-efficient manufacture.

[0042]FIG. 12 illustrates a one-piece variation, constructed of expandedor mesh steel, parallel to the grate. It can be used on gas, charcoal orelectric grills, or in ovens or other locations. Viewing FIG. 12, asingle piece of expanded or mesh steel 125 is bent to form at least twosubstantially triangular support elements 126 and 127. The bending maybe done by hand or with the assistance of a machine. A skewer 129 maythen be supported by the support elements 126 and 127. The distancebetween support elements can vary depending on the length of the skewer.The width of each support element is preferably about nine inches toaccommodate multiple skewers while still fitting on a conventionalgrill, although other sizes are acceptable. Drips pass directly throughthe holes 124 of the mesh.

[0043] FIGS. 13A-13D and 14 illustrate an embodiment of a skewer holderthat is suitable for use in microwaves. Constructed of any microwavablematerial, its design allows for the use of wooden, bamboo, plastic, orceramic skewers. Skewered food is held vertically by placing the skewers126 substantially upright in receptacles 128 that are staggered aroundthe holder. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14 thetop 135 of the holder preferably is domed to allow juices to run off.Each of the receptacles 128 includes an open top for receiving a skewerand a drain opening at the bottom for allowing juices or other fluids torun out of the receptacle. The drain opening may extend verticallythrough the dome as illustrated in FIG. 13B, or the skewer receptacle128A and drain opening 128B may be perpendicular to each other asillustrated in FIG. 13D, thus eliminating the need for a domed top. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13C and 13D, drain opening 128Bpreferably has an inner diameter that is larger than that of skewerreceptacle 128A to allow for the flow of juices or other fluids. In eachembodiment, a drip area 130 is preferably provided to catch juices orother fluids from the drain openings. This design permits the holder tobe used substantially in all microwaves, including the revolving type.The holes are preferably drilled or punched so that cleaning can be moreeasy. Also, the portions of the receptacles that hold the skewers in asubstantially vertical position preferably do not have slits or otheropenings along the sidewalls so that, unlike prior art skewer holders,they can accept thin skewers. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13Aand 13B the holes are preferably located in the top portion of theholder, but not in the base 132 so that juices do not run out of thedrip area. Similar features are shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D. The base 132serves as a drip pan to collect the juices from the skewered food.Preferably, the holder allows for at least eight skewers to bepositioned vertically. The holder shown is circular in shape and can beeasily cleaned in a dishwasher or hand washed and uses standard woodenor bamboo skewers. Alternate shapes, such as square or triangularshapes, may also be used.

[0044] Preferably, the embodiments disclosed herein are such thatskewers are supported only at the skewer pointed ends. The handle end ofeach skewer will point upwards and/or at an angle. For grills havingcovers, the angel is preferably such that the skewer will not interferewith closing of the covers.

[0045] The free standing skewer holders may be angled to a higher degreeto accommodate longer, heavier skewers and cooking larger quantities offood. The bases of free standing skewer holders may also be lengthenedto achieve more stability and strength to hold and support the increasein lengths of the skewer and weight of food being cooked.

[0046] Foods that can be cooked on skewers, when placed on the skewerholders include meat, such as cubed lamb or other red meat, pork,steaks, chops, hotdogs and all other sausage-type of meats, seafood suchas shrimp and lobster, poultry such as wings, vegetables such aspotatoes, peppers, tomatoes, onions, fruits such as apples andmushrooms, and marshmallows and other foods that can be impelled on askewer.

[0047] These skewer holders have applications in and outside the home orapartment, for recreation such as camping, picnicking, and in commercialuse such as restaurants.

[0048] The skewer holders described herein are preferably stationarywith no moving parts in their operation. The skewers rest in or on theskewer holders, to facilitate clean, safe cooking while reducing themess of food sticking to a cooking grate or being contaminated by adirty cooking grate.

[0049] Preferably, there are no electric motors needed to rotate thefood on these skewer holders. The user may manually rotate the skewerswhile the skewers are held in place by the skewer holder. However,embodiments that provide for machine rotation are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention.

[0050] The invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components disclosed hereinor illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is used for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0051] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilizedas a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. Further,since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for holding a skewer over a heatsource, during cooking of food, the apparatus comprising: two opposingsubstantially vertical members and a connecting member positioned therebetween, wherein the substantially vertical members include a pluralityof openings having a diameter at least as large as a diameter of askewer to be received, and wherein the circumference of the openingsserve as rests for the skewers; a first plate coupled to thesubstantially vertical members below the connecting member; and a secondplate having an attachment means for coupling to the first plate suchthat a grill surface may be positioned between the first plate and thesecond plate.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the substantiallyvertical members are comprised expanded steel.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the vertical members and the curved member are positioned toform a U-shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curved memberis inverted, such that the two vertical members and the curved memberform a trapeze shape to allow for suspension of additional items overthe hot surface.
 5. An apparatus for holding a skewer over a heatsource, the apparatus comprising: a rigid frame comprised of metal whichincludes a plurality of openings having a diameter at least as large asa diameter of a skewer to be received, wherein the frame comprises afront, a back, and two sides, and wherein the metal surrounding theopenings serves as rests for the skewers; and a skid-type base which iscoupled to the metal frame and which is adapted to slide under a heatsource so that skewers may be supported by the rigid frame over theskid-type base and the heat source.
 6. An apparatus for holding a skewerover a heat source, the apparatus comprising: a cylindrical structurewhich includes a plurality of openings having a diameter at least aslarge as the diameter of a skewer such that a skewer may enter one ofthe openings, exit another of the openings, and thereby be supported bythe structure. a first plate coupled to the cylindrical structure toform a base that is attachable to the grate of a grill.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6, further comprising a second plate, wherein the second plateis adopted to be coupled to the first plate such that a grill surfacemay be positioned between the first plate and the second plate.
 8. Afree-standing apparatus for holding a skewer over a heat source duringthe cooking of food, the apparatus comprising: at least two supportmembers formed into an upside-down and flared “V” shape, wherein aplurality of recesses large enough to receive a skewer are included atthe apex of each of the support members, and wherein the recesses serveas rests for the skewers; and wherein each of the support members isformed of a single piece of metal.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, whereineach support member further includes two flared elements positionedparallel to a cooking surface, the apparatus further comprising: a baseplate having attachment means for coupling to the two flared elements,such that the cooking surface may be positioned between the flaredelements and the base plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein eachsupport member is curved at a base portion, such that each supportmember may be secured to a grill surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein each support member is angled at a base portion, such that eachsupport member may be secured to a grill surface.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising a base plate positioned parallel to acooking surface, wherein each support member is connected to at leastone other support member on a side by the base plate; and wherein eachsupport member and the base plate are formed of a single piece of metal.13. An apparatus for holding a skewer over a heat source, the apparatuscomprising: structure comprised of a microwave-suitable material,wherein the structure includes a plurality of cylindrical receptacles;wherein each receptacle has an open top with a diameter at least aslarge as the diameter of a skewer such that a skewer may be positionedsubstantially vertically into the opening and be supported substantiallyvertically by the structure; and wherein each receptacle has completevertical walls and a drain opening at the bottom.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the plurality of receptacles are located at the top ofthe structure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising areceiver for receiving fluids from the drain openings.
 16. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the plurality of receptacles are located only atthe top of the structure and the receiver is the base of the structure.